Today's Guardian...CAG and some organisation called the CSA

[42man]

Debt collectors hit out at advice websites | Money | guardian.co.uk

[tigs68]

I would like to point out this piece from that article i quote:

"so how can it be right for a site to effectively encourage people to make off with money that isn't theirs?"

I think this is a 2 way street, pot kettle black comes to mind.

[FullyBANKcharged]

I feel the same way about the CSA as I do about Herpes.

[cerberusalert]

The best part is this quote from the CSA;

"Avoiding debts is not a victimless crime – it impacts everybody in the long run," the spokesman said.

The fact is debt is not a crime contrary to what the CSA would like to believe.

[bsj]

Bit strong comparing this site to shop lifting,someone's needled:D

[PGH7447]

poor wee things

[cerberusalert]

Sara de Tute, Compliance Director of the CSA once described CAG as her "nemesis" - it's about the only thing she's ever said that's accurate.

[Revenant]

Thanks for posting that up 42man

Just goes to show that CAG and the likes have really got under the skin of the CSA and DCA's , my heart bleeds for them

The can't stand that fact that the "Weapons" to fight the underhanded,bullying and scare tactics used are now so easily available along with and just as important, support for those that need it

They seem to be frightened of the fact that more and more are becoming educated to their ways plus due to links readily found via Google etc the number is constantly growing

The CSA should also undertake a similar excercise in training their members on how to stick to the rules but of course that will never happen as they think they live in a world where their word is law

How the mighy fall eh

[lickthewallfatboy]

if they're going to the papers with crap like that,you just KNOW that their testicles are getting a good tight squeeze

[F_DCAs]

Ooh, the CSA are angry, but what can they do?

 

Same as in their other job - nothing, nothing whatsoever, which just highlights further the absolute pointlessness of their existence.

[hungrybear]

You dont need to go past the 1st paragraph:

 

'Debt collectors are planning ways to hit back against online consumer forums allowing people to share advice about dealing with debt problems and taking on financial institutions.'

 

There are two ways they can do this:

 

1) only buy enforceable debts that are fully documented and approach the debtor in a fair and even handed manner to reach an amicable repayment solution.

2)see 1

[shinobi101]

So those that lie, cheat, bully harrass and intimidate even those who are trying their best to pay unmanageable debts, now think we shouldn't stand up for ourselves?

 

Is this the hypocrite's last stand?

 

It is the banking system itself that is more fraudulent than most people could possibly imagine. See this thread for details.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-debt-issues/175668-how-credit-cards-bank.html

[MorganaNK]

There would be no need for this and other websites if banks, DCAs and others like them behaved with compassion, integrity and respect. As we don't live in an alternate universe, I for one will always be grateful for the help and support that I have found here... I don't mean to offend anyone by saying this, but if it wasn't for sites like this one I honestly believe that there would be a huge increase in debt related suicides.

[F_DCAs]

'Debt collectors are planning ways to hit back against online consumer forums allowing people to share advice about dealing with debt problems and taking on financial institutions.'

 

How are they going to do that? If there's one thing debt collectors or the financial industry cannot do well, it's planning things. So, they'll just have to stay indignant and be content with it before we get them shut down.

[B3rty]

I thought this was quite a telling comment from the ones posted

 

I work for one of the major debt advice charities and would agree with most of the comments stated above. We frequently receive complaints about debt collection agencies, many of whom are members of the CSA. Stories of bullying and harassment are commonplace, many agencies frequently lie and overstate their powers to force a debtor into submission. If these agencies adhered to the guidelines on debt collection laid down by the OFT they may find that their debtors make reasonable payment arrangements. It's often due to the fact that debt collection agencies are so aggressive in their tactics that it make people search for assistance, this is where they may come across these internet forums.

 

I'm not sure what the CSA feels these forums are pro-debt avoidance. In the topics I've read I've seen lots of sound debt advice; there are even articles on the forum outlining the basics about the various debt-repayment options out there. Referals to the likes of the CAB, National Debtline and Consumer Credit Counselling Service are often given.

 

In all my time as a debt counsellor I've not seen the CSA take a proactive stance in getting invovled with the debt advice industry. They are quick to bemoan these forums but perhaps they need to get their own membership to re-evaluate their business strategies, especially their collections practices - Please guys - take time to read, and understand, the OFT debt collection guidance (as well as the new Lending Code).

[hungrybear]

when you view the CSA as the political lobbying and public relations group that it really is then everything they say becomes clear. They are not there to regulate but to promote the interests of their members.

[jimbo45]

Hi there

All CAG is doing is giving LEGAL ADVICE, and listing other people's experience and advice. Imagine if someone was not allowed to use past Law cases in studying for a Law degree or not being allowed to take a car apart if studing car mechanics.

 

Before worrying about CAG the CSA should put itself in order

 

1) DCA's really should be OUTLAWED -- Debt should remain with whoever issued it.

 

2) If debt is passed to a DCA then STRICT RULES of conduct should be applied --for example things like "Moorcroft's Home Visit division" :lol:

 

are totally against the law and PHONING people should NEVER be allowed.

 

3) When taking out ANY unsecured loan the borrower should be made aware at the time of signing the contract things like CHARGING ORDERS etc -- these nasties should NEVER be foisted on people after the fact.

 

Had I known about "Charging Orders" I would NEVER have EVER applied for a Credit card in the first place.

 

I'm surprised however at the Guardian - I'd have suspected this paper would be more on the side of the CAGGERS rather than the Banks etc.

 

Well nothing surprises me anymore -- I expect I will see Peter Mandelson renouncing his peerage and standing for some safe CONSERVATIVE seat in the future.

 

In any case most DCA's are total parasites, **** and purveyors of Human Misery. Most should be closed down without delay AT ONCE.

 

Cheers

jimbo

Edited December 2, 2009 by jimbo45

[dcakiller]

The dca's will probably only want dca frendly site to give out advice TOUGH sites like this are here to stay. Just because there threat jockeys can no longer just say "bailiffs are on the way" or ther other countless lies and there victims just say "oh no please dont do that here have all my rent,food,elictricity,gas and council tax money". I have also flaged vercoda's post as encouring illegal activity (use of threats to obtain money) and sugest we all do the same.

[dcakiller]

consumer help on the csa website I think that would be like trusting a hungry gattor to babysit.

[Philip23]

Saw the article on the Guardian's website. Hate it when they said something like CAG is about people avoiding their debts. What a load of tosh. I was surprised at the Guardian doing such a one-sided article. If it wasn't for CAG people would still be paying even more charges than we do now, and we'd all still being conned into PPI. We follow the law, which the DCAs consistently ignore.....sharks.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Philip23
Grammer

[MARTIN3030]

quote

 

"I'm surprised however at the Guardian - I'd have suspected this paper would be more on the side of the CAGGERS rather than the Banks etc."

 

To be fair they did include a response from CAG in their article-the comments were much more a reflection of the true picture to that which Maynards gang try to paint.

[itsamomentintime]

hmmm

 

the CSA have spoken to the OFT about us

 

 

hmmm

 

[PGH7447]

just shows they are running scared, if they have to complain to the papers about us

[F_DCAs]

What do they think the OFT's going to do? The OFT does nothing at the best of times.

[hungrybear]

What do they think the OFT's going to do? The OFT does nothing at the best of times.

 

 

they do realize what the F stands for, right?